Rishi was among the visitors at the annual Middleham Open Day – the yearly celebration of racing in North Yorkshire.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP was one of more than 2,500 visitors who flocked to the ‘racing capital of the north’ to tour its many racing yards to meet the horses, the staff who look after them and the trainers.
Rishi called at Johnston Racing’s Kingsley House Stables to meet Mark and Deidre Johnston and also Micky Hammond’s Oakwood Stables. In the afternoon he joined in with the children’s sports and games up on the Low Moor gallops.
The Open Day is organised by and in aid of the charity Racing Welfare which supports everyone in the racing industry, providing advice and guidance on issues like health, careers, housing, money, addiction, and relationships.
Money raised from the Open Day goes towards Racing Welfare’s Middleham projects and service delivery in the town. This year, the event raised more than £20,000 for the charity.
Middleham’s reputation as a racing centre dates back generations. The 15 yards based in and around the town have sent out more than 400 winners a year for the past 38 years
Rishi said: “The Open Day is a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and understand why Middleham is such a centre of excellence in racing. It’s a showcase for a major local industry and a great day for the community.”
During his time in Middleham, Rishi met Racing Welfare’s Chief Executive Dawn Goodfellow, its chairman Nick Bannister and Middleham Town Mayor Cllr Honor Byford.
They briefed him about plans to have a joint venture between the town council and the charity to have a new management arrangement at the Middleham Key Centre, the town’s community centre, for the benefit of local residents and those employed in the racing yards.
Ms Goodfellow said: “We had another great Open Day and we were delighted to have Rishi with us to see how important the industry is to this area and the following it attracts.
“It’s great showcase and celebrate the wealth of knowledge and expertise of the dedicated staff who care for the horses in training, all while raising funds to support the workforce that keeps the industry going."
